Local athlete’s back-to-school vision positively impacts rural students

By Gail H.M. Brown, Ph.D.,
Contributing Writer,

Rural students in Holmes County recently returned to school with a supply boost, thanks to a community athlete.
On July 27, the Acona Volunteer Fire Station and Community Center buzzed with excitement as Terrance Hibbler, Jr., a recent graduate of Holmes County Central High School (HCCHS), fulfilled his vision of organizing a back-to-school supplies giveaway specifically for rural students. The event was held from 5 to 7 p.m. at 11673 Rosebank Mt. Olive Road.
“Growing up in a rural area, you have limited resources, and you miss a lot of city limit activities and events,” Hibbler told The Mississippi Link in a phone interview before press day. “So, I wanted to change that perspective and do something for the people in my area to bring awareness to the needs in the rural area because we are always overlooked.”
Supported by his mother, family members and friends, Hibbler successfully collected over 200 school items for the giveaway. “We serviced about 80-85 children, and with this being my first event, I think that was awesome,” he said.
“I pray that I blessed the children with the things that are needed,” said Hibbler. “I want to let them know I do care about our community and want to be a role model for them and others to look up to.”
His mother shared her son was divinely inspired to help the children in their rural community. “Terrance came to me and said that God had put it on his heart to do this,” she said. She told other family members, and they were all willing to help him.
The event featured the distribution of school supplies and refreshments. There were also games and activities for all ages.

Hibbler and his family hope to make this giveaway an annual tradition by continuing to support and uplift the rural community they hold dear. They were so touched by his gesture of goodwill that they called the event, “TJ.’s First Annual Back To School Giveaway.”
This initiative illustrates the power of community-driven efforts and the positive impact that one individual’s vision can have on the lives of many.
Many parents, grandparents and guardians say that back-to-school giveaways are extremely helpful economically.
“Every little bit helps; the giveaway helped a lot because everything is so very expensive now,” said Vanessa Wiley, whose granddaughter Kinsley was among the recipients.
Wiley was impressed that the bags were stuffed according to the children’s grade level and the schools’ supply list.
“To my family that helped me to get the event together and made sure things went smoothly, thank you, and I love you all,” Hibbler added.
Hibbler is also noted for making sports headlines as a football standout while attending HCCHS. He has been recruited via scholarship by the Mississippi State University Bulldogs, the university he once told reporters that his late great-grandmother, preschool educator Martha Jean Jefferson, wanted him to attend. In memory of her, he wears a pendant of her around his neck.
Hibbler has already reported to summer school at MSU. He is majoring in business administration. “My future plans are to one day play in the NFL and take care of my family,” he concluded.